Helldivers 2: Best early game Stratagems

The best Stratagems to unlock and use in battle first in Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2 is a game about bringing democracy to the galaxy – by force. To do that you’ll need loads of weapons and the proper backup, and luckily, the Stratagem system is here to help. Stratagems are essentially commands for items that can dropped down from your ship in order to help you in the fight. These can be ammo, weapons, turrets, drones, or just plain old explosives to detonate on impact.

There are dozens of Stratagems to choose from, but most of them won’t be available to you as you start leveling up. If you want to know which Stratagems to unlock and equip in the early game, just read through our breakdown of the best early Stratagems to use in Helldivers 2.

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Machine Gun

The MG-43 Machine Gun is a trusty Stratagem / Arrowhead Games

One of the first Stratagems you’re given, the Machine Gun is incredibly reliable for a big chunk of the early game. It’s a heavy weapon that gets assigned to a third equip slot, and while it takes some time to reload, it can shred through hordes of bugs – even the first armored variety you encounter. A solid backup, and we recommend calling this in early in a game, just so you have it ready to go when needed.

Expendable Anti-Tank

EAT-17 Expendable Anti-Tank rockets, for tougher enemies / Arrowhead Games

Another weapon from the Patriotic Administration Centre tree, the Expendable Anti-Tank is a heavy single-fire weapon that won’t be necessary at first, but you’ll soon find yourself coming across bigger enemies with tougher hides to bust through. Unlock this one and keep it in mind when the enemies start getting stronger.

Orbital Precision Airstrike

The Orbital Precision Strike is a one-time hit, make sure to land the targeter on an enemy / Arrowhead Games

Our only recommended airstrike for the early game is actually one you have unlocked by default. When you come up against a single tough foe and find yourself in a bind, the Orbital Precision Airstrike can save you, especially since you can stick the targeter to an enemy. The thing is, airstrikes become more important when against tougher enemies, or larger numbers. In the early section of the game you can more accurately tackle large numbers of enemies with other Stratagems, but this one is worth keeping in your back pocket.

Anti-Personnel Minefield

MD-6 Anti-Personnel Minefield, for shutting off corridors entirely / Arrowhead Games

It does what it says it does. This layers down dozens of mines on the ground, and planting them in an entrance to a space you’re defending, or on top of an active nest, will see you manage the crowd far more easily. Yes, they’re gone after they explode, so this isn’t long-term protection, but you’ll be surprised at how useful and versatile the minefield actually is.

Gatling Sentry

A/G-16 Gatling Sentry, the most reliable early Stratagem / Arrowhead Games

The Machine Gun Sentry is good too, but you can unlock the Gatling Sentry pretty early, and it’s very worthwhile. The Gatling Sentry spits out bullets at any bugs in its view – and it has a surprisingly good range, often shooting at enemies you didn’t know were approaching. It you’re defending a point, the Gatling Sentry is one of the best Stratagems you can use in the early game.

“Guard Dog”

The AX/AR-23 "Guard Dog" is a massive boost for solo players / Arrowhead Games

You’ll have to wait until level ten in order to unlock the “Guard Dog” but it’s well worth it. This releases a drone that hovers around you and shoots incoming foes. This kind of backup is invaluable when taking on tougher missions solo. The game is always best played with others, but if you can’t seem to get a team together, then the “Guard Dod” is here to help.